Indian Football & ISL Transfer News
EXCLUSIVE: ISL side SC Delhi sign India U-23 captain Lalrinliana Hnamte
Defensive midfielder leaves Chennaiyin FC after mutually terminating his contract
Indian Super League (ISL) club Sporting Club Delhi (SC Delhi) have continued their busy summer transfer window by signing India U-23 captain Lalrinliana Hnamte, Khel Now can exclusively reveal.
The 23-year-old midfielder has agreed a three-year contract with the capital-based club until the end of the 2028-29 season after mutually terminating his contract with Chennaiyin FC. The deal is subject to player completing his medical.
Hnamte becomes SC Delhi’s latest signing after the arrivals of Burundian international David Richard Ndayishimiye and Colombian defender Duván Viáfara, as the club continues rebuilding under head coach Tomasz Tchórz ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Experienced addition despite his age
Although only 23, Hnamte already brings considerable ISL experience.
The Mizoram-born midfielder came through the ranks at Chanmari FC before joining Pune City FC’s youth setup. He later signed for East Bengal, where he made 17 ISL appearances before moving to their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan in 2024.
During his two seasons with the Mariners, Hnamte played 34 matches before switching to Chennaiyin FC, where he made 38 appearances across all competitions in two seasons.
His performances also earned him a place on the India U-23 national team, and he made his debut in June 2025. Since then, he has made eight appearances and currently captains the side.
Versatility strengthens SC Delhi’s midfield
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Hnamte is also capable of playing as a central midfielder, giving SC Delhi greater tactical flexibility.
He featured in 12 ISL matches during the 2025-26 season for Chennaiyin FC, playing 802 minutes and remaining an important part of the squad throughout the campaign.
Across spells with East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC, Hnamte has accumulated 77 ISL appearances and two AFC Cup appearances. He has also won the ISL Cup, ISL Shield and Durand Cup.
His arrival gives SC Delhi another experienced Indian option in midfield and could see him partner David Richard Ndayishimiye in the centre of the park during the upcoming season.
SC Delhi in the summer transfer window 2026-27 so far
SC Delhi have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market ahead of the new season.
While the club parted ways with captain Alex Saji, who joined Mohun Bagan SG, they have retained key Indian players including Mohammed Aimen, Mohammed Azhar, Nora Fernandes, Gogou and Joseph Sunny.
The arrivals of David Richard Ndayishimiye, Duván Viáfara, and now Lalrinliana Hnamte further underline the club’s ambition as it prepares for the 2026-27 campaign.
Which club does Hnamte join SC Delhi from?
Hnamte joins SC Delhi from Chennaiyin FC.
What have SC Delhi done so far in the summer transfer market?
SC Delhi have signed Burundian midfielder David Richard Ndayishimiye, Colombian defender Duván Viáfara and India U-23 captain Lalrinliana Hnamte as they strengthen their squad for the new season.
How much ISL experience does Lalrinliana Hnamte have?
The 23-year-old has made 77 ISL appearances for East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC, while also featuring in the AFC Cup.
What position does Lalrinliana Hnamte play?
Hnamte primarily plays as a defensive midfielder but is also capable of operating as a central midfielder or on the right side of midfield.
How long is Lalrinliana Hnamte’s contract with SC Delhi?
Khel Now understands the India U-23 captain has signed a three-year contract with SC Delhi until the end of the 2028-29 season.
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Ashish Negi is the co-founder and CEO of Khel Now. A computer engineering graduate from LPU (2015), he has been closely following and covering Indian football and sports since 2007. He started the Indian Football Team Facebook page in 2013 and later handed it over to the AIFF in 2015 when it had grown to over 500K followers. Ashish continues to drive Khel Now’s vision while staying deeply connected to the pulse of Indian sport.